A scientist describes water
using the chemical designation H2O.
This means that two atoms of Hydrogen are attached to one atom of
Oxygen.The hydrogen atoms are each attached to one side of the oxygen
atom, making a water molecule. Water molecules have a positive charge
on the side where the hydrogen atoms are attached, and a negative
charge on the side where the oxygen atom resides.
As
with a magnet, opposite electrical charges
attract, this causes the water molecules to attract each other and
form larger "droplets" of water.
All
these water molecules attracting each other means they tend to clump
together. The attraction to another water molecule is called Cohesion.
Water molecules are not only attracted to other water molecules,
they also are attracted to other substances. The attraction of water
molecules to materials like plastic, glass, or veins is called Adhesion.
Forces such as gravity cause water to form
droplets. Scientists have learned that in space, where gravity is
not effecting droplets of water, water makes a perfect sphere and
is shaped like a ball.
A close up view of water droplets on leaves
on the Russian BIO-5 Rasteniya-2/Lada-2 (Plants-2) plant growth
experiment, which is located on the International Space Station
(ISS).
Water
is called the Universal Solvent by scientists because it
dissolves more different kinds of materials than any other liquid.
Wherever water flows, through your body, over the ground, or through
a pipe, it dissolves and takes along valuable nutrients, chemicals,
and minerals .
Water
has different "States". Water can be liquid, gas, or solid.
As
with a magnet, opposite electrical charges
attract, this causes the water molecules to attract each other and
form larger "droplets" of water. 